Nadia blinked.
"Better?"
"Yep, just follow me."
Mika said before turning and walking into the living room.
Nadia followed, confused but obedient, trailing behind him like a child who didn't understand the game but was willing to play anyway.
Mika crossed to the large sofa in the center of the room—the same sofa they had all sat on years ago, watching movies and playing games and falling asleep during family nights.
It was worn now, a little faded, but still comfortable. Still familiar.
He gestured for Nadia to sit.
She looked at him, puzzled.
"Why, Mika? Are we watching a movie?"
"Just sit, Nadia. I'll show you something better than any movie."
Nadia sat, still confused, still watching.
And then she watched as Mika gently lifted Astrid off his back. She stirred slightly, her brow furrowing, and Nadia held her breath—but Astrid didn't wake.
She just nestled into Mika's chest, her face peaceful, her breathing steady.
